Recovery from Dental Implant Surgery

If you are looking for an effective way to replace one or more teeth, dental implant surgery may be a good option. A dental implant can replace tooth roots with metal posts and missing teeth with artificial teeth. Implants look and feel like real teeth. Once the dentist inserts them into your gums, you won’t be able to tell the difference.

This form of oral surgery can be an effective and affordable alternative to bridgework or dentures. If your bone structure or gums do not allow other devices, an implant can be a workable option. Below, we look at some tips for proper recovery from dental implant surgery. If you have any further questions about implants, contact Lovett Dental Piney Point Village at 832-242-2030 today.

Give Your Dental Implants Time to Recover

As with any surgical procedures, you have to give yourself time to recover from the procedure. However, the recovery period depends on your situation. Recovery time can vary depending on several factors, including:

The number of implants you require
Whether you need a bone graft
The overall condition of your bone structure
How long it takes your body to heal from oral surgery
Your overall health

You can expect to feel moderate pain within 24 to 48 hours after the surgery. You may also experience some swelling. However, by day three, you should start to feel better.

Expect Some Bleeding

During dental implant surgery, the dentist may pull teeth, drill into the gums or jawbone, and insert a post into the designated area. So, don’t be surprised if this causes your gums to bleed. You may notice some blood right away. Don’t be alarmed; this is normal for a dental implant procedure.

To slow the bleeding, the dentist will place surgical gauze over the wound. If possible, try to keep the gauze in place within the first hour after the procedure. Try to avoid rinsing your mouth or spitting, as will this cause the bleeding to continue. The bleeding should end within an hour or two after you leave the clinic.

Be Careful What You Eat or Drink

Your dental implants are likely to heal as expected if you treat them gently within the first two to three weeks. You may need to adjust your diet to allow your gums to heal around the implant post. Stick to eating soft foods for up to 30 days after oral surgery.

If your procedure was more extensive due to severe damage, then give yourself six weeks before you go back to eating normally. You may want to maintain a diet that consists of smoothies, pureed foods, and protein shakes. Stay away from extremely hot or cold drinks or foods, and avoid tough meats or hard foods.

Practice Strict Oral Hygiene

Dental implants are known for their durability and performance over time. However, you still need to brush and floss daily to keep your gums and natural teeth in good shape. Brushing also keeps your implants sparkling for years. Your dentist will probably want you to come in for a few checkups to make sure the implants are in good condition.

Also, schedule routine professional teeth cleaning every six to 12 months. Your dentist can perform a comprehensive oral exam, clean your teeth, and continue to check on your implants.

Learn More About Dental Implant Surgery at Lovett Dental Piney Point Village

Getting dental implants can transform your smile and your life. So, if you have a missing or damaged tooth, contact Lovett Dental Piney Point Village to learn more about the benefits of dental implant surgery. In addition to this surgical procedure, we also offer a range of dental treatments including:

Call us today at 832-242-2030 to schedule oral surgery or one of our other dental services.